Redmond Coronavirus Vaccination Site To Open On Microsoft Campus

REDMOND, WA — A new coronavirus vaccination site on the Microsoft Redmond campus will serve some of the county's highest-risk, older adults with plans to expand operations as supply chains allow, officials announced Wednesday.

In a news release, the county said the Redmond site will begin administering vaccines this week to older adults, including eligible home-care clients on Medicaid and their caregivers.

"We have heard loud and clear how difficult it has been for eligible patients to get access to vaccines," said Claudia Balducci, chair of the Metropolitan King County Council. "This new eastside location, added to the two King County sites already operating in Kent and Auburn, will make it easier for eligible residents to receive their vaccinations."

Officials said the Redmond site will operate through a partnership with Microsoft, Overlake Medical Center & Clinics, Evergreen Health and other community partners, with infrastructure ready to scale up as eligibility tiers expand and vaccine deliveries increase.

Right now, the county is working with health providers and local organizations to alert eligible seniors about appointments and seeking out communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic in King County.

Related: Vaccine Distribution Improving, Equity Remains A Concern: DOH

"I thank our business, health care, and community partners for helping set up our Redmond vaccination site, and I look forward to more partnerships across the region to get vaccines in arms as quickly as supply allows," Constantine said Wednesday. "Public Health has long tackled disparities in our community. The vaccine roll-out underscores the importance of identifying and overcoming systemic barriers in getting care to those who need it most."

According to county data, communities of color continue to suffer disproportionate impacts of COVID-19, including rates four to five times higher among Hispanic residents, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, and 2 to 3 times higher in the Black community.

As part of Wednesday's announcement, Public Health - Seattle & King County also outlined six guiding principles to ensure equitable vaccine availability at all its partner sites:

1. Focus on Highest Risk and Most Impacted: While supply remains limited, prioritize vaccinations for eligible individuals who are at highest risk of serious illness and death, and who live in King County geographies with the highest incidence of disease. In addition, Public Health recommends prioritizing the siting of high volume and pop-up clinics in areas with the highest incidence of disease.

2. Work with Community: Coordinate with community-based leaders and organizations with connection to highest-risk communities and with particular focus on BIPOC communities. Provide all necessary information to enable these trusted messengers to provide early notification of registration opportunities and other necessary support for people to successfully complete their vaccination.

3. Make Registration Easy: Ensure that appointment finding and registration systems are simple to use and easy to understand, available in multiple languages, and accessible for people with disabilities. Where possible, guarantee personal assistance by phone.

4. Make Vaccine Available When and Where People are Available: Ensure appointment availability outside of regular business hours, including weekends and evenings.

5. Address Transportation and Mobility: Locate vaccination sites near public transportation and work with partners to secure ride service for older adults, people with disabilities or others for whom transportation to the site is a barrier.

6. Ensure Language Access: Language access should be prioritized, including the availability of in-person and phone interpreters.

Learn more about how and where to schedule vaccine appointments on the King County website.